Changeless

Changeless is the second installment in Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, set in an alternate Victorian Britain where supernatural beings are part of society. The story follows Alexia Tarabotti, now Lady Maccon, a woman born without a soul who can neutralize supernatural powers through physical contact. When her werewolf husband suddenly disappears, Alexia embarks on a journey to Scotland while juggling supernatural soldiers, exorcised ghosts, and royal obligations. Her investigation leads her to a werewolf pack in the Scottish highlands, where she must employ her unique abilities and notorious parasol to uncover the truth. The narrative combines elements of steampunk technology, paranormal romance, and Victorian manners with doses of humor and mystery. Characters navigate complex social hierarchies while dealing with both supernatural politics and proper etiquette. This novel explores themes of identity and belonging through the lens of supernatural society, questioning how differences in ability and nature affect relationships and social standing. The Victorian setting provides commentary on gender roles and power dynamics in both human and supernatural contexts.

Readers call this a solid sequel that maintains the light, witty tone of the first book while expanding the supernatural Victorian world. The faster pacing and increased focus on political intrigue drew positive comments. Likes: - Steampunk technology and gadgets add interesting elements - Sharp dialogue and humor throughout - Complex relationship dynamics between characters - Strong world-building details Dislikes: - Ending feels abrupt and frustrating to many readers - Less romance compared to first book - Some find protagonist Alexia less likeable - Middle section pacing drags Ratings: Goodreads: 3.92/5 (50,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (500+ reviews) "The cliffhanger ending nearly ruined an otherwise fun book," notes one common complaint on Goodreads. Multiple Amazon reviewers praised the "clever blend of supernatural and steampunk elements" but wanted more relationship development between the main characters.

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik Napoleonic warfare meets dragons in an alternate history that combines military protocol and supernatural elements in the same manner as Changeless.

Soulless by Gail Carriger The first book in the same series follows the same Victorian supernatural society with similar elements of manners, romance, and paranormal creatures.

The Parasol Protectorate by Mary Robinette Kowal This series blends magic with Regency period social conventions and features a strong female protagonist navigating supernatural politics.

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas Victorian era supernatural powers mix with society intrigue and romance in this tale of a young woman discovering her abilities.

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman A young lady in Regency London discovers a secret demon-hunting society while maintaining her place in high society.

🔮 Victorian etiquette guides were so specific that they included rules about how many times a lady could turn her head while walking down the street 🎩 The parasol was not just a fashion accessory in Victorian times - it was considered essential for maintaining a pale complexion, which was a sign of high social status ⚙️ The term "steampunk" was coined in 1987 by author K.W. Jeter as a playful variant of "cyberpunk" to describe Victorian-era fantasy and speculative fiction 🐺 Scottish folklore features the "wulver" - a benevolent werewolf-like creature that would leave fish on the windowsills of poor families 🫖 Victorian-era mechanical innovations included automated tea-making machines and mechanical butlers, showing the real-world basis for steampunk technology